Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ 41-point victory over Port Adelaide in last Saturday’s Round 7 encounter at AAMI Stadium.
1. Brett Deledio produced a superb leader’s performance
Deledio had been the target of a few critics for his on-field efforts in the previous couple of rounds (much of that criticism unwarranted, in my opinion), and he went into the Port game under a fair bit of scrutiny. But, in the absence of injured captain, Trent Cotchin, he stepped up magnificently as stand-in skipper against the Power. The dual Jack Dyer Medallist led by example, racking up 32 possessions, including four clearances, three rebound-50s, six inside-50s, and taking 10 marks. In what was a must-win game for the Tigers, Deledio couldn’t have delivered any better in his role on the day.
2.Orren Stephenson had a real impact in the ruck on debut for the Tigers
At 30 years of age, Stephenson may have been one of the oldest players ever to pull on the famous Yellow and Black guernsey, but he was certainly impressive. I loved the energetic way he went about his ruckwork. He jumped right over the top of his Port opponents at the centre bounces, and won plenty of clear hit-outs to advantage for the team. Stephenson was especially influential early on in helping Richmond seize control of the contest. He also took a few decisive marks around the ground, to further underline his value to the side. On that form, he’s going to provide the Tigers’ No. 1 ruckman, Ivan Maric, with some really strong back-up.
3. The overall importance of that win should not be underestimated
Sure, it’s only four points, but given that Power had been flying, the match was on their home ground, and they were warm favorites, given some of the key personnel Richmond had out, I rate it as a crucial victory. A fourth consecutive loss, after starting the season with three wins on-the-trot, would have been a real morale-sapper for the Tigers. The fact they were able to show that steely resolve, in the face of adversity, I believe will provide them with a decent confidence boost. It also showed the improved depth at Tigerland this year. I’m not sure in recent seasons, having lost several quality players at the selection table, due to injury, that Richmond would have been able to positively emerge from such a challenge. The recruiting of several mature-age recruits late last year has clearly made a difference in this regard.
4. Chris Newman had his best game of the season
The ex-Tiger skipper played an important role in the win, across the backline, with his vast experience and football ‘smarts’. He combined solid defence with attacking flair, picking up 19 quality possessions, taking 10 marks (many of them key intercept ones), and drifting forward to kick a couple of goals. I know he rates his set-shot kicking for goal highly, so he would have been delighted to hit the scoreboard like that. Seriously, it was great to see him roaming around with such freedom and, even though he turns 31 this Saturday, I reckon he still has a fair bit of good football in him. I can see him continuing to be a valuable contributor in the Tiger team for quite a while yet.
5. Shane Tuck was the ultimate team man
Tuck showed great courage to continue playing throughout the second half, despite a severe shoulder injury, which will now sideline him for the next six weeks or so. He has been a particularly resilient character since debuting with the Tigers in 2004, hardly missing a game, so it’s really disappointing that he’s going to be out for a while. But his bravery last Saturday, to stay out on the field with just one functional arm, to enable the team to have a vital few extra rotations, was truly inspirational. Richmond was already one player down, having lost Chris Knights for the match with a serious knee injury, so it couldn’t afford another casualty. Shane Tuck played his role for the team admirably indeed.
6. Nick Vlastuin is a most worthy AFL Rising Star nomination this week
The 19-year-old is really living up to the reputation that saw him taken by the Tigers with their first pick in last year’s National Draft. He’s fitted into the side extremely well since debuting a few weeks ago, and was one of the best in the win against Port last Saturday, picking up 23 possessions, taking 11 marks and kicking a goal. Vlastuin seems very level-headed with the way he goes about his football and everything he does, he does well. He’s tough, determined, skillful and versatile. All the ingredients appear to be there for him to have a long, successful league career.
